‘Confident of 50 Medals at LA 2028’, Says Paralympic Committee of India Chief Devendra Jhajharia – News18

The Indian Paralympics 2024 contingent was felicitate up on return after a record medal tally in Paris. (X)

The Indian Paralympics 2024 contingent was felicitate up on return after a record medal tally in Paris. (X)

On the back of a record-breaking campaign in Paris Paralympics 2024, Jhajharia exuded confidence that the country will better its tally in the next Games.

Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) president Devendra Jhajharia on Thursday exuded confidence that the country will better its tally in the next Games and hopes to bring home 40 to 50 medals from 2028 Los Angeles edition.

“I want to thank everyone for the support that they have showcased for our para-athletes. This felicitation event will only motivate them to do better in the next edition of the games,” Jhajharia said during a felicitation function hosted by the Indian Oil Corporation along with PCI here.

“I am confident that in LA 2028 we will only better this performance from here. I promise everyone on behalf of the athletes that we will win at least 40 to 50 medals in the next edition of the Games”, he said.

The Indian contingent made history by securing a remarkable total of 29 medals, including seven gold, nine silver and 13 bronze, marking the nation’s best-ever performance at the Paralympics in Paris.

The event was also graced by Union Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse and Indian Oil’s Director of Marketing, Satish Kumar.

“I want to say this today, that you have a special gift of God that has helped you all to come such a long way. With the support of your coaches, family and friends, you have made the country proud. You are the real heroes of this nation and I hope that with your achievements, many youngsters will also get inspired,” Khadse said.

The Indian para contingent that competed at the Paris Games met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in the day at his residence.

Indian Oil to Offer Scholarships, medical insurance to para-athletes

Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), Indian Oil Corporation on Thursday promised to provide monthly scholarships and medical insurance to the country’s para athletes after their stupendous show at the just-concluded Paris Paralympics.

The Indian contingent made history by securing 29 medals, including seven gold, nine silver and 13 bronze, marking the nation’s best-ever performance at the Paralympics in Paris.

Pankaj Jain, secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, expressed his admiration for the para athletes and announced that Indian Oil will be further enhancing its support by introducing monthly scholarships, medical insurance, and sports kits for para athletes.

“This historic performance is a testament to the resilience and determination of our para athletes,” V Satish Kumar, Chairman and Director (Marketing), IndianOil, said during a felicitation function here on Thursday.

“IndianOil is proud to have supported them on this incredible journey, and we remain committed to standing by their side as they continue to break barriers and achieve excellence.”

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)